An Economic Roadmap for Sacramento County

As someone who was born and raised in California, I grew up believing that America is the land of opportunity. It is a place where you can reach your full potential if you work hard.

I was fortunate to get a great education by attending California’s public schools from kindergarten through medical school. With some help from my family, scholarships, and while working part-time and taking advantage of federally-funded student loans, I was able to graduate with less than $10,000 in debt. I became a doctor and, along with my wife Janine, was able to support my family and raise my daughter Sydra. This was all possible because my country made an investment in me.

But today, many families have to work harder and harder to realize their American dream. I know many hard working families are worried that their children may end up worse off than they are.

As we continue to recover from the financial crisis that cost people millions of jobs, homes, and retirement savings, we’re also experiencing a shift in our economy. Many families are still under stress and aren't earning enough to make a decent living or to save for their retirement. At the same time, we’re living in an increasingly interconnected world where technology is reshaping our economy.

As our economy changes, we must to do a better job of keeping up. We need a plan for Sacramento County that creates more high-paying jobs and provides in-demand skills training so that workers have the opportunity to get ahead.

Creating Jobs & Opportunities:

In May of 2016, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that more than 40,000 jobs had been created in Sacramento County since 2012. This is welcome progress since the depths of our economic and financial crisis. But there’s no question that more has to be done. Many people are continuing to look for work in an increasingly changing economy.

We need to create more jobs and opportunities in Sacramento County so more people have a shot at the American dream. We must focus on building a 21st century economy that supports small businesses and invests in technology, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy jobs. These sectors provide quality, higher-paying jobs and we should be providing our workers with the training and support to fill these jobs.

Helping Everyone Get Ahead:

As we continue to recover from a financial crisis that cost people their jobs, homes, and retirement savings, we’re also experiencing a shift in our economy. Many families are still under stress and aren't earning enough to make a decent living or save for their retirement. At the same time, we’re living in an increasingly interconnected world and the internet and technology are reshaping how our economy works.

We have to do a better job of keeping up with these changes so more families can be a part of the middle class dream and can get ahead in life.

Rebuilding Our Infrastructure:

In America, both parties have to get back to dreaming big and building big things to invest in our future. Years ago, Democratic President Franklin Roosevelt helped bring us out of the Great Depression with projects like the Hoover Dam, and Republican President Dwight D. Eisenhower helped plan and build our interstate highway system. Projects like this created jobs and laid the foundation for a modern economy to support a strong middle class.

Unfortunately, our current roads and bridges are in dire need of improvement. Our outdated infrastructure endangers residents, discourages new business, and slows our economy. To create jobs and make government work for the middle class, we need to get back to the bipartisan American tradition of investing in our future.

Investing in Education​:

As a former educator and a father of a daughter who’s now in college, investing in the next generation is very important to me. Ensuring that young people are ready for tomorrow’s jobs is one of the most critical things we can do to make our economy work for the middle class.

But graduating college students are struggling with record levels of debt while they look for work. And many parents are concerned whether their kids are learning the skills they need to keep up in our changing economy. We have to make sure the same opportunities earlier generations had are available to our children. We need to invest in our future and that starts in our schools.

More on An Economic Roadmap for Sacramento County

FOX 40: This week local leaders are gathering in the nation’s capital to tackle a whole number of issues. And we sent our very own Paul Robins to Washington DC for the 48th Annual Capitol to Capitol. He is live at the leadership breakfast at the Mayflower Hotel. Good morning, Paul, leave it to you to find breakfast first thing.

Sacramento, CA – Congressman Ami Bera released the following statement condemning the Trump administration’s offshore drilling announcement, opening the East and West coast to oil and gas drilling:

"As kid who grew up enjoying our beautiful California beaches, this decision is a travesty. Instead of embracing energy sources that keep our air and water clean, President Trump is doubling down on drilling California’s coastline.

Washington, DC – Rep. Ami Bera (D–CA) welcomed Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) Director Jason McAlister to Washington last week to help lead a discussion with Members of Congress on jobs, education, and vocational training. As the Co-Chair of the Access to Jobs Task Force, Rep. Bera invited Director McAlister to share his expertise leading SMUD’s premier training program.

On Tuesday Congressman Ami Bera attended a meeting of local start up business owners that was held at Elk Grove’s InnoGrove Coworking, which is a local business that helps start up businesses and offers co-working spaces.

Sacramento, CA – Congressman Ami Bera (CA-7) announced a major, multi-million dollar grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today to improve Sacramento Mather Airport. The grant of $3,742,000 will be used to resurface pavement areas and upgrade drainage systems that will improve the airport’s safety and efficiency.

Washington, DC -- Today, Rep. Ami Bera, (D-CA) cosponsored the Paycheck Fairness Act on Equal Pay Day, a day to bring awareness to the gender income gap that exists in America and around the world.

The bill takes a number of crucial steps to close the pay gap by strengthening the Equal Pay Act of 1963, guaranteeing that women can challenge pay discrimination to hold their employers accountable, and protecting women from retaliation if they ask about their company’s pay policies.